| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section/ASPT Worcester, Lindsey [1], Mayfield, Mark [1], Ferguson, Carolyn [1]. Cytotypic variation in Phlox pilosa L. ssp. pilosa (Polemoniaceae), placed within the broader context of polyploidy in the genus. Polyploidy is frequent in plants and is considered an important factor in plant evolution. The genus Phlox has long been known to harbor some polyploid species, and intraspecific variation in ploidy level (cytotypic variation) is known as well. Phlox pilosa ssp. pilosa is a wide-ranging taxon that is diploid throughout most of its range in prairies and woodland openings of eastern North America. This study presents data from flow cytometry and chromosome counts demonstrating that, by contrast, many populations of P. pilosa ssp. pilosa along the western edge of its range in the central Great Plains and northern Texas are tetraploid (with some hexaploid populations). This cytotypic variation is intriguing, and does not correlate with any previously recognized taxonomic groupings nor with apparent morphological differences (further research explores potential micromorphological differences). These findings are placed within the context of ploidy level data for the genus as a whole: synthesis of previously reported chromosome counts (with taxonomic interpretation) with newly obtained chromosome counts and flow cytometry data for samples across the genus provides an improved context for systematics research in Phlox. Ongoing study explores how patterns of ploidy level variation within the genus relate to taxonomic recognition, phylogeny and ecology/geography. Broader Impacts:
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Kansas State University, Herbarium and Division of Biology, Manhattan, KS, 66506-4901
Keywords:
cytotype
Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Polemoniaceae
Polyploidy.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY023
Abstract ID:782 |
